Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Springer Opera House
Photographed by David Seibert, May 1, 2011
1. Springer Opera House Marker
Inscription.
Springer Opera House. . Theater in Columbus found its finest home on February 27, 1871, when Francis Joseph Springer, originally of Alsace, opened his opera house. The Springers forty-foot deep stage held a continuous round of shows of every description.
Here Edwin Booth played Hamlet, February 15, 1876, on his first Southern tour after the War. “Blind Tom” Bethune, the Negro musical prodigy born near Columbus, performed here often. Oscar Wilde and Williams Jennings Bryan lectured here; John L. Sullivan, the world champion gave a boxing exhibition, and Mrs. John Drew, grandmother of the Barrymores, starred in She Stoops to Conquer. Here, in 1928, Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered a “Happy Warrior” speech in behalf of presidential nominee, Al Smith.
In 1902 the Springer sons completely renovated their opera house. From that time until it became a movie house in 1941, the Springer continued to be the citys cultural center.
In 1959 the Springer closed and in the Spring of 1964, The Columbus Little Theater Opera House Trustees was formed to prevent its destruction. On October 6, 1965, The Little Theaters musical production of St. Elmo, based upon the Victorian novel by Columbus-born author, Augusta Evans Wilson, was presented amidst the Springers restored Victorian splendor.
Theater in Columbus found its finest home on February 27, 1871, when Francis Joseph Springer, originally of Alsace, opened his opera house. The Springers forty-foot deep stage held a continuous round of shows of every description.
Here Edwin Booth played Hamlet, February 15, 1876, on his first Southern tour after the War. “Blind Tom” Bethune, the Negro musical prodigy born near Columbus, performed here often. Oscar Wilde and Williams Jennings Bryan lectured here; John L. Sullivan, the world champion gave a boxing exhibition, and Mrs. John Drew, grandmother of the Barrymores, starred in She Stoops to Conquer. Here, in 1928, Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered a “Happy Warrior” speech in behalf of presidential nominee, Al Smith.
In 1902 the Springer sons completely renovated their opera house. From that time until it became a movie house in 1941, the Springer continued to be the citys cultural center.
In 1959 the Springer closed and in the Spring of 1964, The Columbus Little Theater Opera House Trustees was formed to prevent its destruction. On October 6, 1965, The Little Theaters musical production of St. Elmo, based upon the Victorian novel by Columbus-born author, Augusta Evans Wilson, was presented amidst the Springers restored Victorian splendor.
Erected 1966
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by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 106-31.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1844.
Location. 32° 27.892′ N, 84° 59.491′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. It is at the intersection of 10th Street and First Avenue, on the right when traveling west on 10th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 10th Street, Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance
Photographed by David Seibert, April 30, 2011
2. Springer Opera House Marker
Looking across 10th Street at the Muscogee County Courthouse
Looking west, with 10th Street on the left and First Avenue straight ahead
Photographed by David Seibert, April 30, 2011
4. Springer Opera House Marker
Looking east on 10th Street
Photographed by David Seibert, May 1, 2011
5. The Springer Opera House
Looking across 10th Street
Photographed by New Georgia Encyclopedia
6. Interior of the Springer Opera House
Photographed by David Seibert, May 1, 2011
7. Oscar Wilde's Star
Installed in the sidewalk in front of the Spring Opera House, the star also honors F. Clason Kyle, a key figure in the restoration of the building.
Photographed by David Seibert, May 1, 2011
8. Truman Capote's Star
Installed in the sidewalk in front of the Spring Opera House, the star also honors Janice P. Biggars, Executive Vice-President of the Historic Columbus Foundation.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,079 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 10, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
